The Third Sunday of Advent
Happy Gaudete Sunday!
You may notice a different feel to Advent this weekend. For much of the Church’s history, this Sunday had a special name: “Gaudete” Sunday. We begin to shift our Advent focus. For the first two weeks of Advent, we emphasized that “The Lord is coming.” But beginning this weekend, we turn our attention to the fact that “The Lord is near.” This shift is marked by a lighter mood and a heightened sense of joyous anticipation.
Liturgically, the colors lighten as well. Father Tom and Deacon Kevin will wear rose-colored vestments, a hue seen only on Gaudete and Laetare (Lent) Weekends. On this day, we light the third candle of the Advent wreath, which is also rose-colored, or if you prefer, pink.
The word “Gaudete” is Latin for “Rejoice.” In times when the focus of our anticipation is often on the negative and fearful, this celebration is a reminder that God who loves us is still in charge and that we await his coming not with fear, but with tremendous joy.
How can you and your Church of the Home bring Joy to the World?
The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers remind us to be "Prophets of Joy". They say: "There is a lot of pressure to be joyful at this time of year. But what does that
even mean for those who live in situations of hopelessness? Jesus shows us
the way. He lets his healing actions speak for themselves so that even the
imprisoned John the Baptist recognizes the arrival of the joy of salvation. As
missionary disciples, we too are called to joyfully live our mission with those
devoid of hope."
As a Church of the Home:
Reflect and Discuss:
How was a difficult time in your life made easier by someone who brought joy to you?
How is the Spirit inviting you to bring joy to others?
Spread joy by giving the gift of presence. Visit someone who is lonely or isolated this week.
Read and Discuss: Sr. Thea Bowman used her prophetic voice imbued with joy to denounce injustice and proclaim the good news, especially to those on the margins.
"Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood," presents the riveting life of Sister Thea Bowman, an African American Catholic Franciscan Sister who used her powerful gifts to educate and challenge the church and society to grow in racial inclusivity.
Visit Resurrection's Advent page to find resources to help your Church of the Home grow this Advent. New resources will be added weekly.
Gesu Bambinelli
On the 3rd Sunday of Advent, children from all across Italy travel to Rome to celebrate Bambinelli Sunday with the Pope. This tradition involves children presenting the Gesu Bambino (the Baby Jesus) figurines from their home Nativity Sets for a special blessing.
This year, you are invited to bring your Gesu Bambino (Baby Jesus) figurine to Resurrection Parish this weekend, December 10-11. Just as in Rome, Fr Tom will bless your Baby Jesus figurines. Click the button below to consider additional ways to engage your children, grandchildren, or Godchildren in faith-sharing activities connected to your home Nativity set.
Jo in us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
We wait in patient hope for the coming of Jesus the Redeemer. During Advent, we continue to strive toward building the Kingdom of Heaven in simple and honest ways. Join Fr. Paul as he reflections on this weekend's scripture readings.
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Families
This January, join Resurrection for a special event called Kentucky Home: a celebration of Merton, Bourbon, and Bent Grass on Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 PM.
After hearing a presentation on Thomas Merton by Fr. Tim Shillcox, Dr. Paul Wadell will explain what makes bourbon bourbon. There will be several samples (and some wine and mixed drinks). Then, to top off the evening, Bent Grass, the local Bluegrass group from De Pere is going to play some great music.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased after Mass or online at www.gbres.org/kentuckyhome
In case you are unfamiliar with Thomas Merton, here's Fr. James Martin to introduce you to him:
Announcements
Ruby and Res
Ruby thought she was going to see Santa and sit on his lap but it turns out it was only the December Town Hall with Fr. Paul. She did get a chance to sit on Fr. Paul's lap to tell him what she wants for Christmas. Hopefully he has a direct line to the North Pole.
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